Auxiliary gray water source device for commercial kitchens

ABSTRACT

An auxiliary gray water supply device captures used wash water from a commercial warewashing machine for supply to a pre-rinse station without substantial modification of the commercial warewashing machine. The captured wash water and treatment agent are delivered to a pre-rinse station for pre-rinsing of dishes that will be washed within the commercial warewashing machine.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit under at least 35 U.S.C. § 119 ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/365,315, filed Jul. 21, 2016.

In addition, this application claims the benefit under at least 35U.S.C. §§ 120 and 365(c) as a continuation-in-part of InternationalApplication No. PCT/US2015/051551, designating the United States, withan international filing date of Sep. 22, 2015, which claims the benefitunder at least 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/493,808, filed Sep. 23, 2014, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/211,332, filed Mar.14, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/815,995, filed Mar. 21, 2013.

Furthermore, this application claims the benefit under at least 35U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.14/493,808, filed Sep. 23, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/211,332, filed Mar. 14, 2014, which is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No.13/815,995, filed Mar. 21, 2013.

The entirety of each of the aforementioned applications is incorporatedby reference herein and made a part of this specification.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to commercial warewashingfacilities. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to anauxiliary apparatus designed to provide a replenishing gray water sourcefor use by a pre-rinse station prior to a warewashing machine in suchfacilities.

BACKGROUND

The food service industry needs to manage the high number of soileddishes encountered on a daily basis. The food service industry includesrestaurants and numerous institutional food service establishmentspresent in schools, prisons, municipal buildings, military mess halls,and the like.

In such food service industry establishments, the warewashing processtypically begins with scraping of dishes into a garbage can or otherrefuse container. Scraping is performed to remove the larger scraps offood and the like. Following scraping, pre-rinse sprayers are used torinse the dishes prior to placement of the dishes into commercialwarewashing machines.

The commercial warewashing machine market is different that of mostother commercial food service equipment markets. Warewashing machinesoften are not owned by the individual restaurant or food serviceoperator. Rather, warewashing machines are leased to the individualrestaurant or food service operator by a chemical sales company. As aterm of many leases, the food establishment is not able to modify,service or repair the warewashing machine. Rather, the foodestablishment is simply able to use the machine to wash the dishes.

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN FEATURES

Commercial warewashing machines come in several differentconfigurations. One of the configurations is a fill-and-dump machine. Insuch machines, the water is dumped after each wash. One example of sucha machine is the ES2000 Dishmachine by EcoLab. In the ES2000Dishmachine, between one and five gallons of used dishwashing water isdumped into a drain following each wash cycle. This dishwashing watercomprises a plurality of soaps and rinsing agents.

One aspect of the present disclosure involves the recognition that it isdesired to save both water and gas/electric while not significantlymodifying a warewashing machine. Accordingly, certain features, aspectsand advantages of the present disclosure provide for an auxiliary devicethat is separate of a commercial warewashing machine but that cancapture some or all of the used dishwashing water for use with apre-rinse station. In some configurations, the auxiliary device cancapture the used dishwashing water without substantial modification ofthe commercial warewashing machine. In some configurations, theauxiliary device can be integrated into a commercial warewashingmachine.

Certain features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosureprovide for a method of installing an auxiliary device that is separateof a commercial warewashing machine but that can capture some or all ofthe used dishwashing water for use with a pre-rinsing station.

In accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of thepresent disclosure, an auxiliary gray water supply device for use in acommercial food service facility is provided. The auxiliary gray watersupply device comprises a tank. The tank comprises an inlet. The inletreceives a removable scrap trap. The tank further comprises an overflowoutlet and a freshwater supply inlet. The overflow outlet is verticallylower than the freshwater supply inlet. A pump has an inlet in fluidcommunication with the tank and an outlet in fluid communication with adelivery conduit.

In accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of thepresent disclosure, a method of installing an auxiliary gray watersupply device is provided. The method comprising disconnecting apre-rinse unit from a hot water faucet and a cold water faucet, locatingthe auxiliary gray water supply device proximate a warewashing station,connecting a delivery conduit to the hot water faucet and the cold waterfaucet and positioning an inlet of the auxiliary gray water supplydevice vertically below an outlet from a warewashing machine whereby atank of the auxiliary gray water supply device captures substantiallyall of a load of gray water being evacuated from the warewashing machinethrough the inlet of the auxiliary gray water supply device withoutsignificant modification of the warewashing machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention willnow be described with reference to the drawings, which embodiment areintended to illustrate and not to limit the invention, and in whichfigures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical commercial warewashingstation;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an auxiliary device that can be usedwith the commercial warewashing station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the auxiliary device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tank and a fine scrap trap of theauxiliary device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the auxiliary device of FIG. 2 with aholding portion and a transfer portion separated from each other;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the auxiliary device of FIG. 2 withan elevated holding portion and a transfer portion;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the auxiliary device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the auxiliary device of FIG. 6 andcertain associated components of the commercial warewashing station ofFIG. 1, with an enclosure of the auxiliary device not shown for purposesof presentation;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another auxiliary device that can beused with a commercial warewashing station;

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a configuration of the auxiliarydevice of FIG. 9 and certain associated components; and

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates another configuration of the auxiliarydevice of FIG. 9 and certain associated components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to FIG. 1, a typical commercial warewashing station100 will be introduced. The station 100 can include three main regions.The first region can include a pre-rinse station 102. Following thepre-rinse station 102 is a second region that includes a warewashingmachine 104. The third region, which is downstream of the first andsecond regions, can include an air-drying table 106.

In the illustrated configuration, the station 100 is laid out in astraight-through configuration. In some configurations, the station 100can be L-shaped or U-shaped. In some configurations, the station 100 hasa counter depth of 24 inches. These differing configurations can resultin variations of certain features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention, as will be explained below. In other words, some of thecomponents can be relocated to better facilitate access to thosecomponents, such as spigots, faucets, valves and scrap traps, forexample but without limitation.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the pre-rinse station 102 comprisesa table 110. A sink 112 can be mounted to the table 110. A pre-rinseunit 114 can be positioned generally above the sink 112. The pre-rinseunit 114 can be connected to one or more of a hot water supply 116 and acold water supply 120. The hot water supply 116 and the cold watersupply 120 can comprise a hot water faucet 122 and a cold water faucet124. Generally, the pre-rinse unit 114 will comprise an inlet 126 thatwill be connected to at least one of, and typically both of, the hotwater faucet 122 and the cold water faucet 124. The pre-rinse unit 114also can include a valve 130 to control the flow out of the pre-rinseunit 114. When the valve 130 is actuated, flow from the hot water supply116 and the cold water supply 120 can pass through the hot water faucet122 and the cold water faucet 124, through the pre-rinse unit 114 andinto the sink 112. In most configurations, the pre-rinse station 102will use a low flow nozzle or spray head due to various local water-useregulations.

The warewashing machine 104 can have any suitable configuration. In someconfigurations, the warewashing machine 104 can be a machine, such asthe ES2000 by EcoLab. Because some embodiments involve providing anauxiliary device to the warewashing machine 104 without significantmodification to the warewashing machine 104, many features of thewarewashing machine 104 will not be described in detail.

The illustrated warewashing machine 104 is supported by a frame 132. Anysuitable support or frame 132 can be used so long as access is availableto an outlet 134 from the washing chamber (not shown). In theillustrated configuration, the outlet 134 is positioned generally abovea scrap trap 136. The scrap trap 136 can comprise a perforated tray thatserves to separate larger food waste and the like from water emittedthrough the outlet 134. Water that has passed through the scrap trap 136flows through a drain outlet 140 that can be plumbed to the nearestfloor sink or the like. The drain outlet 140 can be connected to thefloor sink or the like using a conduit, for example but withoutlimitation.

When the warewashing machine 104 is in use, the warewashing machine 104is supplied fresh water and pre-rinsed dishes to wash as a batch. Uponcompletion of a wash cycle, the warewashing machine 104 dumps the usedwash water (i.e., the gray water) through the outlet 134, onto the scraptrap 136 and ultimately through the drain outlet 140, which is plumbedto the city sewer system. The amount of gray water disposed can varydepending upon the make and model of the warewashing machine in use. Insome configurations, the warewashing machine 104 can emit between oneand five gallons per cycle.

The air-drying table 106 can have any suitable configuration. In someconfigurations, the air-drying table 106 includes a frame 142. The frame142 can have an open configuration to define an open racking area 144.In some configurations, the frame 142 can be positioned above the floorsink, floor drain or the like.

Auxiliary Devices for the Capture of Gray Water

An auxiliary device 150 that is arranged and configured in accordancewith certain features, aspects and advantages of the present inventionis shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5. The auxiliary device 150 captures the graywater being emitted from the warewashing machine 104. The auxiliarydevice 150 can supply the captured gray water to the pre-rinse station102. The gray water captured by the auxiliary device 150 has beensanitized, softened and soaped during the wash cycle of the warewashingmachine 104.

Advantageously, the auxiliary device 150 is separate of the warewashingmachine 104 and is not permanently connected to the warewashing machine104. While the illustrated configuration is separate of the warewashingmachine 104 and not permanently connected to the warewashing machine104, it is possible to integrate the auxiliary device 150 or at leastsome components of the auxiliary device 150 into a warewashing machine104 to provide an improved warewashing machine 104. More advantageously,the auxiliary device 150 is adapted to be fluidly connected to thewarewashing machine 104 through an air gap. For example, an air gap canbe disposed between the water outlet of the warewashing machine 104 andthe inlet into the auxiliary device 150. In some configurations, the airgap is defined between the outlet 134 and the inlet into the auxiliarydevice 150 with no physical components interposed there between. In someconfigurations, including the illustrated configuration, the air gap canbe defined between the drain outlet 140 (or the outlet end of a conduitconnected to the drain outlet 140) and the inlet into the auxiliarydevice 150 with no physical components interposed there between. Inother words, the air gap preferably is positioned between the outlet andthe inlet. The air gap can be more than about 2 times the effectiveinner diameter of the outlet pipe of the warewashing machine 104. Insome configurations, the air gap can be between 2 and 3 times theeffective inner diameter of the outlet pipe of the warewashing machine104.

Broadly speaking, the auxiliary device 150 can include a holding portion152 and transfer portion 154 that is in fluid communication with theholding portion 152. The holding portion 152 receives and collects thegray water. The transfer portion 154 conveys the gray water from theholding portion 152 to the pre-rinse station 102.

With reference now to FIG. 2, the holding portion 152 of the auxiliarydevice 150 generally comprises a tank 156. The tank 156 can be formedfrom any suitable materials keeping in mind that the tank will handlegray water that is at least about 115 degrees Fahrenheit. In someinstances, the tank 156 will handle gray water that is between about 120and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Preferably, the tank 156 is formed of amaterial that can tolerate temperatures below about 190 degreesFahrenheit (rinse water at temperatures of 194 degrees Fahrenheit andabove is believed to simply cook food onto the surface of the dishesbeing washed).

In some configurations, the tank 156 can be formed of a material that isat least partially translucent. In some configurations, the tank 156 isformed of a material that is sufficiently translucent to provide visualconfirmation of the contents of the tank 156. Moreover, the tank 156preferably is formed of a material that admits light into the tank 156to facilitate cleaning and drying of the tank 156 at the end of a day.The tank 156 can be formed of a material, such as polystyrene, that canprovide easy formation of the tank 156. In some configurations, the tank156 can be formed of a material that incorporates recycled materials,such as recycled plastic bottles, for example but without limitation.

Using a plastic material to form the tank 156 can provide insulatingproperties. In addition, the thickness of the walls can help insulatethe tank 156. For example, as will be explained, a pump including a pumpmotor may be secured to the tank 156 and, therefore, forming the tank156 of a plastic-based material will reduce motor vibrations and reduceor eliminate the need for an isolator or damper to be positioned betweenthe tank 156 and the pump motor. In addition, as discussed above, thetank desirably can handle water having elevated temperatures and,therefore, being somewhat insulating is desired to help retain the heatin the gray water for use in pre-rinsing operations.

The tank 156 can have any suitable shape, size and configuration. Givena counter depth of about 24 inches, the tank preferably extends front torear a total of less than the counter depth (i.e., 24 inches) but otherdimensions are possible. In some configurations, the shape and sizing ofthe tank 156 is less important than the internal volume of the tank 156.For example, in some configurations, the tank 156 is designed to retaina full release of wash water from the warewashing machine 104 and thewarewashing machine 104 releases about 1.4 gallons per cycle. Thus, insuch configurations, the tank 156 is sized and configured to define aninternal volume of at least about 1.4 gallons. Other warewashingmachines can release more or less gallons per cycle (e.g., 2-3 gallons)and the size of the tank 156 can be determined based upon theapplication.

The outer dimensions of the tank 156 also can be determined based upon adesire to position the tank under one or more of the pre-rinse station102, the warewashing machine 104 and the air-drying table 106. Forinstance, in applications in which the tank 156 will be positioneddirectly below the warewashing machine 104, the vertical height can beselected based upon the required height when the width and depth of thetank 156 are specified to fit within the frame 132 of the warewashingmachine 104. Similarly, in applications in which the tank 156 will bepositioned under the air-drying table 106, the width of the tank may begreater than the width when the tank 156 is designed to be placed belowthe warewashing machine 104 due to the difference in the configurationof the frame 142 of the air-drying table 106 relative to the frame 132of the warewashing machine 104. As such, the height of the tank 156 maybe reduced in such applications. In some configurations, the height ofthe tank is less than about 8 inches. In some configurations, the tankheight is determined based upon the application. For example, the tankcan have a height that is short enough to fit under a support bar of thewarewashing machine 104 or the like.

The illustrated tank 156 comprises a top 160, a bottom 162, and at leastone sidewall that extends generally between the top 160 and the bottom162. In the illustrated configuration, the tank 156 includes a frontwall 164, an opposing rear wall 166, a left wall 168 and an opposingright wall 170. To facilitate cleaning, the internal junctures of two ormore walls, especially the junctures of the side walls 164, 166, 168,170 with the bottom 162, are radiused to reduce the occurrence of tightcorners that can be difficult to clean and/or dry.

With reference still to FIG. 2, a fine scrap trap 172 (also referred toas a screen) can be assembled to the tank 156. In some configurations,the fine scrap trap 172 defines a basket. As described above, the tank156 captures water from the warewashing machine 104. While thewarewashing machine 104 may include a scrap trap (e.g., scrap trap 136)of its own, the fine scrap trap 172 can be interposed between the drainoutlet 140 of the warewashing machine 104 such that the gray water hasalready been filtered once or can be interposed between the outlet 134of the warewashing machine 104 such that the fine scrap trap 172performs as a primary scrap trap for the system. Because of thedifference in the ultimate treatment of the gray water (i.e., from thedrain outlet 140, the water goes to the city sewer system; from the tank156, the water goes to the pre-rinse station 102), the fine scrap trap172 advantageously is configured to limit or eliminate the infiltrationof finer particles (e.g., tomato skins, rice, etc.) that could clog thepre-rinse station 102. In some applications, the fine scrap trap 172incorporates a mesh (e.g., a stainless steel mesh). In someapplications, the mesh has sufficiently small openings such that almostno rice can pass through the mesh intact.

In the illustrated configuration, the tank 156 includes an opening 174.The opening 174 can have any suitable size and configuration. In theillustrated configuration, the opening 174 is sized to be more than twotimes the inner effective diameter of the drain outlet 140 of thewarewashing machine 104. The opening 174 receives the fine scrap trap172. To facilitate capture of the gray water, the opening 174 can be inthe top surface 160 of the tank 156. In some configurations, the opening174 can be encircled by a splash curb or the like (e.g., an upwardlyextending protrusion); the splash curb can contain and control splashingof water that may be caused by the velocity of the water released fromthe drain outlet 140 or the outlet 134 when the water hits the finescrap trap 172.

The fine scrap trap 172 can be sized and configured to cooperate withthe opening 174 in the tank 156. In some configurations, the opening 174can be configured such that the fine scrap trap 172 can be formed as atray. Forming the fine scrap trap 172 as a tray that slides generallytransverse to the direction of water flow (e.g., providing a fine scraptrap drawer) can improve access to the fine scrap trap 172; providing ascrap trap 172 that inserts from the top, however, simplifiesconstruction and reduces a need to seal around the fine scrap trap 172.In some configurations, the fine scrap trap 172 can be configured todirectly underlie an existing scrap trap tray of the warewashing machine104. Such a configuration provides for enhanced filtration whileproviding a more compact construction. In some configurations, the graywater from the warewashing machine can be carried to the tank 156 and/orthe fine scrap trap 172 with conduit that is connected to thewarewashing machine with a quick disconnect coupling. The conduit can bepivotally connected to the scrap trap of the warewashing machine, forexample but without limitation. Thus, the conduit can be pivoted up andaccess to the fine scrap trap can be improved. In addition, completeremoval of the conduit also can improve access to the auxiliary unit forcleaning and the like.

In the illustrated configuration, the fine scrap trap 172 is sized andconfigured for insertion into a cavity defined by the tank 156 throughthe opening 174 in the top 160. The illustrated fine scrap trap 172 isgenerally cylindrical. The fine scrap trap 172 can comprise an upperflange 176 that extends laterally outward from a side wall 180 of thefine scrap trap 172. The upper flange 176 can support the fine scraptrap 172 when it has been inserted into the opening 174 in the tank 156.The side wall 180 can comprise one or more support members 182 that candefine a general shape for the side wall 180. A fine mesh or othersuitable material 184 can be used form the balance of the side wall 180.A similar construction also can be used to form a bottom 186 of the finescrap trap 172.

The illustrated fine scrap trap 172 is sized and configured to berecessed into the tank with the bottom 186 of the fine scrap trap 172being vertically lower than the top 160 of the tank 156. In someconfigurations, the bottom 186 of the fine scrap trap 172 can bepositioned vertically higher than a high-water level of the tank (whichcan be controlled by an overflow outlet, as will be discussed). Byrecessing the bottom 186 (or other surface that may cause splashing whencontacted by the water emitted from the warewashing machine 104),splashing can be at least partially contained. Splashing of water out ofthe tank 156 is desired to be minimized or eliminated because suchsplashing of water will require clean-up at the end of operations and,in many installations, the warewashing machine 104 will be in the wayduring clean-up, which causes clean-up to be more difficult.

In some configurations, the fine scrap trap 172 can incorporate one ormore splash reduction features. For example, but without limitation, thefine scrap trap 172 can include a cone or other flow spreading devicepositioned within the fine scrap trap 172 or forming at least a portionof the fine scrap trap 172. In some configurations, the bottom 186 ofthe fine scrap trap 172 can be conical downward or frustoconicaldownward. The feature can be formed of mesh or can be a solid flowdiffusing component. The splash reduction feature or features can helpslow the rush of water toward the bottom of the fine scrap trap, whichcan reduce the splashing experienced when the water contacts the bottomof the fine scrap trap 172.

With reference again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the illustrated auxiliary device150 can include support features 190. In the illustrated configuration,the support features 190 can include rails 192 that are mounted to thetank 156. The rails 192 can be mounted to, or formed as a part of, twoor more of the front, rear, left and right walls 164, 166, 168, 170. Therails 192 can be used to fit to existing structures of the warewashingmachine 104 (e.g., parts of the frame 132) or to existing structures ofthe air-drying table 106. Thus, such a configuration provides for acompact mounting arrangement.

In some configurations, however, casters, leveling feet (see FIG. 5), asupport superstructure or the like can be provided to support the tankand can define support features 190. For example, leveling feet can beprovided under or alongside of the tank 156. The leveling feet wouldallow for the leveling of the tank to reduce the likelihood of extremefloor pitches causing issues with water level maintenance while stillallowing for portability of the auxiliary device 150 when empty forpurposes of cleaning the auxiliary device 150 and the surrounding area.Moreover, when leveling feet or the like are used, it is possible tovary the pitch of the bottom 162 of the tank 156 such that the fluidcontained within the tank 156 can be directed to one end of the tank 156or another, as desired. For example, by positioning a drain in a lowerportion of the tank, it is possible to empty the tank 156 morecompletely for cleaning.

Furthermore, raising the bottom 162 of the tank 156 above the surface ofthe floor improves the ability to clean beneath the tank 156. In someconfigurations, the bottom 162 of the tank 156 is raised to be at least2 inches above the floor. In some configurations, the bottom 162 of thetank 156 is raised to be at least 6 inches above the floor. Otherheights also are possible.

With reference to FIG. 3, a water level control assembly 200 is shown.The water level control assembly 200 can define an overflow outlet forthe tank 156. The tank 156 can include an outlet aperture 204 (see FIG.4), the bottom of which can correlate to the highest desired waterlevel. In the illustrated configuration, an outlet conduit 202 can bemounted to the outlet aperture 204 to direct any overflow through theoutlet conduit 202 to a suitable drain location (e.g., a drain in afloor sink or a floor drain). The illustrated configurationadvantageously obviates any need for a pump, any sensors or othermechanical components to maintain the water level below a predeterminedlevel. The outlet conduit 202 preferably terminates at least 1 inch fromthe top of any floor sink or floor drain; such a location can reducesplashing while providing sufficient clearance to clean the floor orfloor sink. Other configurations are possible.

In the illustrated configuration, the outlet aperture 204 can extendthrough at least one of the sidewalls (e.g., the front, rear, left andright walls 164, 166, 168, 170) to the outlet conduit 202. In someconfigurations, the bottom 186 of the fine scrap trap 172 can define agenerally horizontal plane that generally intersects or is positionedvertically higher than the outlet aperture 204. In some less desiredconfigurations, the bottom 186 of the fine scrap trap 172 can define agenerally horizontal plane that is vertically lower than any portion ofthe outlet aperture, but such configurations allow the contents of thefine scrap trap 172 to float when the water level is at the high waterlevel defined by the water level control assembly 200.

With reference again to FIG. 2, the auxiliary device 150 can include afresh water supply assembly 210. The fresh water supply assembly 210 canbe configured to allow the addition of fresh water to the tank 156 asneeded or desired. For example, at the start of each work day, the tank156 will not have a supply of gray water for use by the pre-rinsestation 102 and the fresh water supply assembly 210 can be used toprovide an initial priming of the system for the first load of dishes ofthe day. In some configurations, about two inches of water is used forthe initial priming. In some configurations, sufficient water isprovided to fully cover an outlet that leads to a pump. Moreover, whenpre-rinsing overly soiled dishes, it may be necessary to use more thanthe volume of gray water supplied by the warewashing machine 104; insuch instances, the fresh water supply assembly 210 can provide makeupwater.

The fresh water supply assembly 210 can be in fluid communication withthe cavity of the tank 156 through a fresh water supply opening 212 (seeFIG. 4). In some configurations, the opening 212 is positionedvertically higher than the overflow aperture 204. In someconfigurations, the opening 212 is positioned vertically higher than theoverflow aperture by at least 2 times the diameter of the opening 212and/or 2 times an inner diameter of any flow path connected to theopening 212. In the illustrated configuration, the opening 212 ispositioned along the top 160 of the tank 156. In any event, given therelative vertical positioning of the opening 212 and the overflowaperture 204, the water level in the tank 156 is unlikely to allow graywater to flow upwardly into the fresh water supply through the freshwater supply assembly 210.

In the illustrated configuration, the fresh water supply assembly 210can include a control valve 214 that can be manually manipulated tocontrol the flow of fresh water through a supply conduit 216 into thetank 156. In some configurations, a backflow prevention device 220 canbe integrated into or coupled with the supply conduit 216. The backflowprevention device 220 can have any suitable configuration and can helpto further reduce the risk of any contamination by the gray water.

With reference to FIG. 4, a first outlet 222 from the tank 156 isillustrated. The outlet 222 advantageously is positioned generallyvertically below the fresh water supply assembly 210, which increasesthe likelihood of rapid availability of water under low waterconditions. Other locations also are possible. Moreover, the location ofthe fresh water supply assembly 210 can be varied depending upon theconstruction and layout of the warewashing station 100. In other words,it is helpful to have easy access to the control valve 214 and, for atleast this reason, the location of the fresh water supply assembly 210may vary depending upon the application.

With reference still to FIG. 4, the tank 156 also includes a secondoutlet 224. One or both of the first and second outlets 222, 224 canextend through the bottom 162 of the tank 156 or one or more of thesides (e.g., front, rear, right and left walls 164, 166, 168, 170).Desirably, the first and second outlets 222, 224 are sufficiently lowrelative to an inner bottom of the tank 156. As will be described, thefirst outlet 222 is fluidly connected to a supply pump while the secondoutlet 224 is fluidly connected to a drain valve. Thus, the first outlet222 benefits from a low position because it increases the availablewater for use and the second outlet 224 benefits from a low positionbecause it helps to more fully drain the tank 156 at the end ofoperations.

In some configurations, the inner bottom surface of the tank 156 isgenerally planar but, in some configurations, the inner bottom surfaceof the tank 156 can include features to help direct flow to one or bothof the first and second outlets 222, 224. For example, in someconfigurations, a triangle, a pyramid, a cone or the like can bepositioned to cause the water to move toward the sides of the tank 156.In one configuration, the inner bottom surface slopes gently toward thesecond outlet 224 throughout the bottom of the tank 156 because thesecond outlet 224, which can define an evacuation outlet, is used tosubstantially fully drain the tank 156 while the first outlet 222supplies a pump and, therefore, should be fully or substantiallysubmerged during operations and, if not, the fresh water supply assembly210 can be used to augment the water supply within the tank 156.

With reference to FIG. 2, a spigot 226 can be connected to the tank 156at the second outlet opening 224. The spigot 226 can be used at the endof operations to drain the gray water from the tank. Accordingly, thesizing of the spigot 226 can be determined, at least in part, by thedesired flow rate for emptying the tank 156 at the end of operations. Insome configurations, a hose can be used to direct the flow to a floordrain or a floor sink. In some configurations, a bucket can be used totransfer the remnants from the tank 156 via the spigot 226. Othersuitable configurations also can be used.

A pump 230 can be supported by the auxiliary device 150 or can bemounted separate of the auxiliary device 150. The pump 230 in theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 2 is mounted to the tank 156. Moreparticularly, in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, the pump 230is mounted to one of the side walls of the tank 156. The pump 230 can besecured using four fasteners, which allows for rapid replacement andexchange if desired. In some configurations, the pump 230 can be mountedto the top 160 of the tank 156. By mounting the pump to the top of thetank 156, the pump 230 and any electrical connections can be positionedabove any anticipated water level.

The pump 230 can have any suitable configuration. In one configuration,the pump 230 can provide a maximum flow rate of about two gallons perminute and a pressure of 60 psi. In one configuration, the pump is aFLOJET model number D3835B5011A. The pump 230 preferably is configuredto run only on demand. In other words, the pump 230 does not run unlessthe pre-rinse unit 114 is being used. Other pumps and otherconfigurations can be used. The illustrated configuration isadvantageously simple in construction in that no floats or othercomponents are used to indicate or ameliorate a low water condition;rather, the pump 230 simply ingests air with the water and sputtering atthe pre-rinse unit 114 will indicate a need for additional water.

A fitting 232 can be used to join a supply conduit 234 to the firstoutlet 222. In other words, a first end of the supply conduit 234 can beconnected to the first outlet 222 with the fitting 232. A second end ofthe supply conduit 234 can be connected to by another fitting 235 to aninlet of the pump 230. One or both of the fittings 232, 235 can beformed of brass, stainless steel or plastic. In some configurations, oneor more of the fittings 232, 235 can be formed as a quick-connect typeof fitting. In some configurations, a screen or other filter can bedisposed at the inlet of the supply conduit 234, at the outlet of thesupply conduit 234 or both. The supply conduit 234 can be a braidedconduit or can have any other suitable configuration.

In some configurations, a filter 237 can be positioned at a locationbetween the first outlet 222 of the tank 156 and the inlet of the pump230. In some configurations, the filter 237 can be positioned along thesupply conduit 234. The filter 237 can be any suitable filter. In someconfigurations, the filter 237 is an in-line flow through filter. Thefilter can filter remnants of food products that remain even after thescrap traps discussed above. For example, in restaurants servingbean-based food items, the beans can be reduced to a paste-likeconsistency, which may not be captured by either of the scrap traps.Thus, the filter 237 can optionally be installed between the tank 156and the pump 230, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 5.

An outlet of the pump 230 can be connected to the inlet 126 of thepre-rinse unit 114. In some configurations, a fitting 239 can be used toconnect the delivery conduit 236 to the pump 230. The fitting 239 can beformed of brass, stainless steel or plastic. In some configurations, thefitting 239 can be formed as a quick-connect type of fitting. In someconfigurations, a delivery conduit 236 extends from the outlet of thepump 230 to the inlet 126 of the pre-rinse unit 114. The deliveryconduit 236 can include a first length that extends to a tee fitting andtwo lengths that connect the tee fitting to the portions of thepre-rinse unit 114 that otherwise would connect to the hot water faucet122 and the cold water faucet 124 respectively. By connecting to bothportions of the pre-rinse unit 114, it is possible for the pump 230 topressurize the line. In some configurations, the delivery conduit 236may connect to only one of the portions of the pre-rinse unit 114 whilethe other portion can be plugged to reduce or eliminate the likelihoodof the gray water contaminating a fresh water supply and to reduce oreliminate the likelihood that the pump 230 cannot pressurize thedelivery conduit 236.

The tank 156 can be provided with water condition sensing components ifdesired. For example, in the illustrated configuration, a watertemperature sensor 240 can be provided. The water temperature can besensed in any suitable manner. In some configurations, the watertemperature can be sensed using a thermometer. In addition, in someconfigurations, a water PH sensor 242 can be provided. The water PHsensor also can have any suitable configuration. In some configurations,the tank 156 can be provided with a port to include a PH tester, whichcould possibly be a dipper rod that enters the tank 156 through the top160. Water PH often will be monitored in conjunction with warewashingmachines. Typically, water PH is sensed using test strips in the foodservice industry. The water PH sensor 242 can be an electric PH sensoror the like and can be used to provide an indication of the water PHwithout the need for repeated testing of PH using the expensive PH teststrips. In some configurations, one or more of the temperature and PHcan be simply indicated in a go-no go style while, in otherconfigurations, relative values can be provided. For example, a PH ofless than 13 is desired and can be indicated by a first color indicatorwhile a PH exceeding that value can be indicated by a second colorindicator. In some configurations, a PH of less than 10 is achieved. ThePH can be monitored for many reasons, including monitoring for levelsthat can shorten the life of certain components of the auxiliary device150. Ports 244, 246 for the sensors can be provided through one or morewalls of the tank 156. Any suitable placement and number of ports can beprovided.

The pump 230 can be connected to a switch 246 (see FIG. 5). The switch246 can have any suitable configuration. In some configurations, theswitch 246 can be water tight or suitable rated for water use. Theswitch 246 can be used to supply power to and remove power from the pump230. As such, a power supply cord 248 can be connected to the switch246. Any suitable power supply cord 248 can be used and any suitablepower supply can be provided to the pump 230.

In the configuration of FIG. 5, a mounting panel 250 can be used tosupport one or more of the components that define the transfer portion154. The mounting panel 250 can be formed of any suitable material. Insome configurations, the mounting panel 250 is formed from starboard,plastic, stainless steel or the like. In some configurations, themounting panel 250 is formed of a water-resistant material. In someconfigurations, the mounting panel 250 can be an enclosure or housing orthe like. In some configurations, the mounting panel 250 is white.

In the illustrated configuration, the mounting panel 250 supports thepump 230. In the illustrated configuration, the mounting panel 250supports the switch 246. Other components also can be supported by themounting panel 250 (e.g., the filter 237). Through the use ofdisconnects (for the fluid components and/or the electrical components),the mounting panel 250 provides an easily replaced component in theevent of pump or switch failure, for example but without limitation. Inaddition, the mounting panel facilitates mounting the electricalcomponents at a location that is suitable. Further, by mounting the pump230 to the mounting panel, the pump 230 is moved upward to a locationthat removes it from the foot region such that kitchen workers are lesslikely to make inadvertent contact with the pump 230.

In some configurations, the transfer portion 154 and the holding portion152 are elevated above the floor. For example, as shown in the auxiliarydevice 150 illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the tank 156 can be spaced apartfrom the floor by a frame 260. This can facilitate cleaning beneath theauxiliary device 150 (e.g., with a broom or mop) and/or can aid insatisfying certain health codes. Because the auxiliary device 150 isconfigured for use in a wet environment (dishwashing stations), theframe 260 can be made of a corrosion resistant material, such asplastic, stainless steel, aluminum, or otherwise.

As shown, the frame 260 can include a plurality of legs 261, such as oneleg at each corner of the tank 156. In various embodiments, the legs 261comprise rigid members, such as beams. For example, as shown in FIGS.6-8, the legs 261 can be constructed of L-beams or other structuralmembers (e.g., I-beam, C-beam, hollow structural section, or otherwise).The legs 261 can elevate the tank 156 above the floor. In someimplementations, the vertical distance between the bottom of the legs261 and the bottom 162 of the tank 156 is at least about: 4 inches, 5inches, 6 inches, or 7 inches. In various embodiments, the bottom 162 ofthe tank 156 and/or the pump 230 is spaced above the ground between 4inches and 6 inches.

In some implementations, the frame 260 is configured to maintain thecenter of gravity of the tank 156 relatively low to the ground, whichcan reduce the chance of the tank 156 tipping over. In certainembodiments, the top of the tank 156 is at a height H that is less thanor equal to the front-to-back length L of the tank 156. For example, theheight H can be less than about 15 inches and the length L can be atleast about 16 inches. In some implementations, the side-to-side width Wof the frame 260 is less than or equal to the height H of the top of thetank 156. For example, the height H can be at least about 15 inches andthe width W can be less than about 12 inches. In some implementations,the ratio of the width W of the frame 260 to the height H of the top ofthe tank 156 is at least about: 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, orotherwise.

In some implementations, a portion of the legs 261 is configured toengage with a corresponding portion of the tank 156. For example, thelegs 261 can have a shape that corresponds to a portion of the tank 156.This can allow the correspondingly shaped portions of the legs 261 andthe tank 156 to be mated together. An example of such matingcorrespondence is illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. As shown, the corners of thetank 156 can be received in correspondingly shaped corners of the legs261 (e.g., the internal corner of the L-beam). In some embodiments, anupper portion of the each of the legs 261 can engage with two sides ofthe tank 156. This can secure the tank 156 within the legs 261, limitmovement of the tank 156, and/or reduce the chance of the tank 156falling out of the frame 260.

The legs 261 have a constant length in the embodiment illustrated.However, certain variants have legs 261 with an adjustable length. Forexample, the legs 261 can include telescoping elements and/or levelingfeet that enable the length of each leg 261 to be individually adjusted.Varying the length of the legs 261 can aid in adjusting the level of thetank 156, such as to locate the tank 156 at a desirable height under thewarewashing machine 104 and/or to pitch the tank 156 to encourage liquidin the tank 156 to flow toward a certain portion of the tank 156 (e.g.,the second outlet 224). In some configurations, the legs 261 facilitatemoving the tank 156. For example, the legs 261 can include casters,wheels, or the like.

As shown, the frame 260 can include a base 262 that is configured tosupport and/or cradle the tank 156. The base 262 can connect with one ormore of the legs 261, such as with welds, fasteners, or otherwise. Incertain implementations, the base 262 comprises a plurality of rigidmembers, such as L-beams or other structural members (e.g., I-beam,C-beam, hollow structural section, or otherwise). In some embodiments,the base 262 comprises a shelf on which the tank 156 is positioned. Forexample, the base 262 can comprise a generally planar member, such as asheet or plate of metal or plastic. In some embodiments, the base 262extends generally or completely continuously between the legs 261.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, elevating the bottom of the tank 156 abovethe floor can provide a passageway beneath the tank 156. Someembodiments include a drain pipe 264 in the passageway. The drain pipe264 can extend along the entire, a substantial portion of, or at least amajority of the front-to-back length of the tank 156. The drain pipe 264can connect the second outlet 224, which can be located in the bottom162 of the tank 156. In some embodiments, the drain pipe 264 includes avalve 266, such as a manually operated ball valve. The valve 266 can beclosed to maintain the water in the tank 156, and can be opened to allowthe water to exit the tank 156, flow into the drain pipe 264, and bedischarged at a drain pipe outlet 268. The outlet 268 can be positionedover a floor sink or floor drain. This can be more convenient thanattaching a hose to the spigot 226 and/or directing the hose to a floordrain or a floor sink. In some configurations, the drain pipe outlet 268is configured to allow a bucket to be placed under the drain pipe outlet268 to collect the contents of the tank 156.

In certain implementations, the drain pipe 264 includes a fitting 270(e.g., a tee), which connects with the outlet conduit 202. As previouslydiscussed, the outlet conduit 202 can connect with the outlet aperture204 to direct any overflow from the tank 156 through the outlet conduit202. The overflow can flow through the drain pipe 264 and be dischargedat the drain pipe outlet 268. In various embodiments, the drain pipe 264is pitched so that any water in the drain pipe 264 flows by force ofgravity toward the drain pipe outlet 268. In various embodiments, thedrain pipe outlet 268 is lower than the outlet aperture 204, secondoutlet 224, valve 266, and/or drain pipe 264.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the auxiliary device 150 can comprise aprotective enclosure 272, such as a metal or plastic box. The enclosure272 can house and protect certain components of the auxiliary device150. For example, the pump 230 can be positioned in the enclosure 272.This can reduce the chance that kitchen workers will inadvertentlycontact the pump 230, which could result in harm to the workers and/orthe pump 230. In various embodiments, the enclosure 272 can connect withone or more of the legs 261 and/or the base 262, such as with welds,fasteners, or otherwise.

The enclosure 272 can be located on or adjacent to the tank 156. Forexample, as illustrated, the enclosure 272 can be positioned on thefront, rear, or a side of the tank 156. This can place the enclosure ina convenient location to access. In some variants, the enclosure 272 ispositioned on the top 160 of the tank 156, which can place the enclosureabove the liquid in the tank 156. Compared to certain embodiments inwhich the pump 230 is positioned away from the tank 156 (e.g., on amounting panel 250 on a wall, such as is shown in FIG. 5), locating thepump on or adjacent to the tank 156 can reduce the distance that thewater from the tank 156 needs to travel to reach the pre-rinse unit 114and/or can reduce the power required to pump the water from the tank 156to the pre-rinse unit 114.

As shown, the enclosure 272 can include an access door 274, which can beopened to enable access to the components in the enclosure 272. The door274 can be secured, such as with a lock or latch. In the embodimentillustrated, the door 274 is secured with a plurality of fasteners 276,such as bolts. In some implementations, the door 274 is configured toallow access to one or more controls without needing to open the door274. For example, a switch 278 can be mounted on or through the door274. The switch can be actuated, without opening the door 274, tocontrol operation of the pump 230. For example, the switch 278 cancontrol the supply of power to the pump 230.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the outlet of the pump 230 can be connected tothe inlet 126 of the pre-rinse unit 114. As mentioned above, in someconfigurations, a fitting can be used to connect the delivery conduit236 to the pump 230. The fitting can be formed of stainless steel orplastic. In some configurations, the fitting can be formed as aquick-connect type of fitting.

As previously described, the pre-rinse unit 114 can be configured toconnect with hot and cold water faucets 122, 124. For example, thepre-rinse unit 114 can include connection elements 122A, 124A configuredto connect with the hot and cold water faucets 122, 124, respectively.As shown in FIG. 8, the delivery conduit 236 can be connected to theconnection elements 122A and a fresh water conduit 278 can be connectedwith the connection element 124A. In some variants, the connections arereversed, such that the delivery conduit 236 is connected to theconnection elements 122A, 124A and the fresh water conduit 278 isconnected with the connection element 122A. The connections with theconnection elements 122A, 124A can be accomplished with a fitting, suchas a stainless steel or plastic fitting. In some configurations, thefitting can be formed as a quick-connect type of fitting.

The fresh water conduit 278 can include a backflow inhibitor, such as acheck valve 280. In some embodiments, the check valve 280 comprises adiaphragm valve, umbrella valve, duckbill valve, ball check valve, orotherwise. In various embodiments, the check valve 280 can inhibit orprevent gray water from flowing upstream into the fresh water conduit278.

Certain embodiments include a vacuum breaker. The vacuum breaker can beconfigured to inhibit or prevent liquid from being siphoned backwardinto the fresh water conduit 278. Some embodiments are configured toreduce or eliminate a pressure differential (e.g., a vacuum) betweenambient and one or more of the conduits of the station 100. For example,in certain embodiments, the vacuum breaker is configured to reduce oreliminate a vacuum between ambient and the delivery conduit 236 and/orbetween ambient and the fresh water conduit 278. The vacuum breaker cancomply with certain inspection standards, such as performance and/orsanitation criteria. For example, the vacuum breaker can be rated,listed, and/or certified by NSF International. In some embodiments, thecheck valve 280 comprises the vacuum breaker.

As shown, in some embodiments, the pre-rinse unit 114 includes aselector 280, such as an adjustable valve. The selector 280 can beconfigured to vary and/or select the relative amounts of gray water andfresh water that is dispensed from the pre-rinse unit 114. For example,in some implementations, when the selector 280 is in a first position,the pre-rinse unit 114 dispenses 100% gray water, and when the selector280 is in a second position (e.g., opposite the first position), thepre-rinse unit 114 dispenses 100% fresh water. In some implementations,the selector 280 is a two-position valve, such that the pre-rinse unit114 either provides 100% gray water or 100% fresh water. In someembodiments, the selector 280 is a variable valve. In certain suchembodiments, when the selector 280 is in an intermediate positionbetween the first and second positions, the pre-rinse unit 114 dispensesa blend of gray water and fresh water. The relative amounts of graywater and fresh water can vary based on the location of the selector280. For example, as the selector 280 is moved toward the firstposition, the percentage of gray water can increase and the percentageof fresh water can decrease, and as the selector 280 is moved toward thesecond position, the percentage of gray water can decrease and thepercentage of fresh water can increase. As illustrated, the selector 280can include a handle, which can enable a user to adjust the relativeamounts of gray water and fresh water.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate another embodiment of an auxiliary device 350. Thedevice 350 can be similar or identical to the device 150 in many waysand can include any of the features of the device 150. For example, thedevice 350 can include a holding portion 352 and transfer portion 354that are similar or identical to the holding portion 152 and transferportion 154, respectively. The device 350 can include a tank 356 that,like the tank 156, captures water from the warewashing machine.

As shown in FIG. 9, the tank 356 includes an opening 374 in the topsurface 360. Water output from the warewashing machine can flow throughthe opening 374 and into the tank 356. The opening 374 can have anysuitable size and configuration. In some configurations, the opening 374can be surrounded by a splash curb or the like (e.g., an upwardlyextending protrusion). The splash curb can be configured to containand/or control splashing of water, such as may be caused by the velocityof the water released from the outlet 334.

In some configurations, the opening 374 receives a screen 372 (alsocalled a scrap trap). The screen 372 can comprise a perforated tray,mesh, and/or filter that serves to separate larger food waste and thelike from water released from the warewashing machine. In someconfigurations, the screen 372 comprises a tray, basket, cone, funnel,bag, or other suitable shape. In some configurations, the screen 372 ofthe auxiliary device 350 acts as the primary screen for the gray water.In some embodiments, the warewashing machine may include a screen of itsown, or is connected to an external screen. This can allow the screen372 to act as a secondary or other filtering mechanism for the graywater.

As shown in FIG. 9, the screen 372 can be received in the opening 374such that the bottom 386 of the screen 372 is vertically lower than thetop 360 of the tank 356. In some configurations, the bottom 386 of thescreen 372 can be about level with the top 360 of the tank 356. Thescreen 372 can comprise an upper flange 376 that extends laterallyoutward from a side wall 380 of the screen 372. The upper flange 376 cansupport the screen 372 when it has been inserted into the opening 374 inthe tank 356. The upper flange 376 can have perforations on the surfaceor can be continuous. The side wall 380 can comprise one or more supportmembers that can define a general shape for the side wall 380. A finemesh, perforated plastic, metal, or other suitable material can be usedto form the balance of the side wall 380. A similar construction can beused to form a bottom 386 of the screen 372. The screen 372 can be aunitary piece. The screen 372 can have discrete components.

By recessing the bottom 386 (or other surface that may cause splashingwhen contacted by the water released from the warewashing machine),splashing can be reduced and/or at least partially contained. Splashingof water out of the tank will require clean-up and the warewashingmachine may be in the way during clean-up, which causes clean-up to bemore difficult. Thus, reducing or eliminating splashing can bedesirable.

In some configurations, the bottom 386 of the screen 372 can bepositioned vertically higher than a high-water level of the tank, whichcan be controlled by an overflow outlet 404. In some configurations, thebottom 386 of the screen 372 can define a generally horizontal planethat generally intersects or is positioned vertically higher than theoverflow outlet 404. In some configurations, the bottom 386 of thescreen 372 can extend along a generally horizontal plane that isvertically lower than any portion of the overflow outlet 404, such thatthe contents of the screen 372 can float when the water level is at thehigh water level defined by the overflow outlet 404 position.

In some embodiments, the screen 372 is moveable within the opening 374.For example, as shown, the screen 372 can be configured to slide in adirection that is generally perpendicular to the direction of water flowfrom an outlet 334 of the warewashing machine. This can facilitateaccess to the screen 372 and/or allows insertion from above. In someembodiments, the outlet 334 is connected to the warewashing machine witha conduit (e.g., a metal or plastic pipe), such as with a quickdisconnect coupling. The conduit can be configured to be pivotally outof the way to allow access to the screen 372. In some implementations,the conduit can be removed from the warewashing machine, which can aidin accessing the screen 372 or other components of the device 350, suchas for cleaning, maintenance, or other tasks.

In some embodiments, the screen 372 is configured to move (e.g., slide)within the opening 374 from a first position to a second position. Thefirst position of the screen 372 can allow the screen 372 to be belowthe outlet 334 and receive the water and food scraps released by thewarewashing machine. The second position of the screen 372 can allow thescreen 372 to be removed from the outlet 334 of the warewashing machineand not receive the water and food scraps released by the warewashingmachine. From the second position, the screen 372 can be lifted from thetank 356 without maneuvering the screen 372 around the outlet 334 of thewarewashing machine. Maneuvering the screen 372 around the outlet 334could involve tilting the tray and spilling the collected food scraps.In some configurations, when the screen 372 is in the second positionaway from the warewashing machine outlet 334, an additional screen canbe placed in the opening 374 below the warewashing machine outlet 334.In some configurations, the opening 374 is between about 1.25 times andabout 3 times the area of the screen 372. In some configurations, theopening 374 is about 1.3 times the area of the screen 372.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the screen 372 is in the firstposition and in a position to receive the water and food scraps from theoutlet 334 of the warewashing machine. In the illustrated configuration,the screen 372 is moveable in a linear direction between the left wall368 and the right wall 370. In some configurations, the screen 372 canbe moveable in a nonlinear direction, such as being configured to berotated between the first and second positions. In some configurations,the screen 372 can be moveable between the front wall 364 and the rearwall 366. In some embodiments, the screen 372 is configured to beremoved from (e.g., lifted out of) the opening 374.

The screen 372 can comprise a plurality of screen elements and/or types,such as two, three, four, or more screen elements. For example, thescreen 372 can include a coarse screen, which limits passage of largerparticles, and a fine screen, which limits passage of finer particles(e.g., tomato skins, rice, etc.). This can reduce the chance of cloggingthe pre-rinse station or other components. In some applications, thefine screen incorporates a mesh, such as a stainless steel mesh. In someapplications, the mesh has sufficiently small openings such that almostno rice can pass through the mesh intact. The screen elements can havethe same or substantially similar shapes and/or sizes. In some variants,the screen elements can have differing shapes and/or sizes.

It may be advantageous to arrange the screen elements in series (e.g.,on top of each other), such that the screens 372 are at least partiallyoverlapping each other. This could be advantageous when one screen 372is a coarse screen and another is a fine screen. The ability to layerthe screens 372 allows the user to adjust the amount of filtering. Forexample, a user may not desire a high level of filtering. The user canmove the fine screen to the other side of the opening so that the waterfrom the warewashing machine outlet 334 does not pass through the finescreen. The user can leave the coarse screen in the opening so that thewater from the warewashing machine outlet 334 passes through the coarsescreen before entering the tank 356.

It may be advantageous to arrange the screen elements in parallel (e.g.,side-by-side or partially overlapping). For example, this could beadvantageous when a screen 372 becomes full or nearly full of foodscraps. The full screen 372 can be slid out from under the warewashingmachine outlet 334 and an empty screen 372 placed under the warewashingmachine outlet 334.

In some embodiments, the device 350 includes a substantially and/orgenerally unimpeded bottom. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, someembodiments have no conduits, pipes, or outlets connected to and/orextending along and/or below the bottom of the tank 356. This canfacilitate cleaning under the warewashing machine, such as with a mop.

The tank 356 can include an overflow outlet 404. In some embodiments,the height of the overflow outlet 404 above the bottom of the tank 356correlates to the highest desired water level. The overflow outlet 404can be positioned on the upper half of one or more of the sides of thetank (e.g., front, rear, right, or left walls). In the illustratedconfiguration, the overflow outlet 404 is positioned on an upper portionof the left wall 368.

The overflow outlet 404 can direct any overflow fluid to a suitabledrain location (e.g., a drain in a sink or a floor drain). In theillustrated configuration, the overflow outlet 404 connects with anoverflow conduit 405, which in turn connects with a drain conduit 407 influid communication with a drain outlet 424 of the tank 356. This canobviate the need for a pump, sensors, or other mechanical components tomaintain the water level below a maximum and/or desired level. In someconfigurations, the overflow conduit 405 can be connected so as todirect the overflow fluid towards the pre-rinse unit 314.

The drain outlet 424 can be located on one or more sides of the tank356. In the illustrated configuration, the drain outlet 424 is locatedon the same side as the overflow outlet 404. In some configurations, thedrain outlet 424 and the overflow outlet 404 are located on differentsides of the tank 356. The drain outlet 424 can be sufficiently lowrelative to an inner bottom of the tank 356. For example, in someconfigurations, the drain outlet 424 is located on the lower half of aside wall. A low position of the drain outlet 424 can aid in drainingthe tank and/or can increase the available water for use.

In the illustrated configuration in FIGS. 9 and 10, the drain conduit407 includes a valve 466, such as a manually operated ball valve. Thevalve 466 can be closed to maintain the water in the tank 356 and can beopened to allow the water to exit the tank 356. The drain conduit 407can direct the water to a suitable drain location (e.g., a drain in asink or a floor drain), which can be plumbed to the sewer system. Insome configurations, the drain conduit 407 can direct the gray watertowards the pre-rinse unit 314. In some configurations, the drainconduit 407 connects to a pump, such as to pump, drain, and/or overflowfluid to another location.

In some configurations, the device 350 includes a gray water outlet 422.The outlet 422 can be configured to provide gray water from the tank 356to the pre-rinse unit 314 via one or more conduits, such as is shown inFIG. 10. The outlet 422 can be located on the same side as the drainoutlet 424. The outlet 422 and the drain outlet 424 can be located ondifferent sides. In some configurations, the outlet 422 can be locatedon the opposite side of the tank 356 as the drain outlet 424.

In some embodiments, a pump 430 can drive the water from the outlet 422towards the pre-rinse unit 314. An outlet of the pump 430 can beconnected to the inlet of the pre-rinse unit 314. As previouslydescribed, the pump 430 can be positioned in an enclosure, such as isshown in FIG. 9. In some embodiments, the pump 430 is a dry pump, suchthat the pump 430 does not need to be primed and/or is configured tooperate without liquid being present.

The pump 430 can be connected to a switch 446. The switch 446 can haveany suitable configuration. In some configurations, the switch 446 canbe water tight or suitably rated for water use. The switch 446 can beused to supply power to and remove power from the pump 430. As such, apower supply cord can be connected to the switch 446. Any suitable powersupply cord can be used and any suitable power supply can be provided tothe pump 430. In some configurations, the pump 430 can be powered by oneor more batteries.

In some configurations, the transfer portion 354 and the holding portion352 of the auxiliary device 350 are elevated above the floor. This canfacilitate cleaning beneath the auxiliary device 350 (e.g., with a broomor mop) and/or can aid in satisfying certain health codes. For example,as shown in FIG. 9, the tank 356 can be spaced apart from the floor by aframe 460. The frame 460 can comprise a plurality of legs 461, such asone leg at each corner of the tank. In various embodiments, the legs 461comprise rigid members, such as beams. In some configurations, a bottom362 of the tank 356 is raised to be at least 2 inches above the floor.In some configurations, the bottom 362 of the tank 356 is raised to beat least 6 inches above the floor. Other heights are also possible.

In the illustrated configuration, in FIG. 9, the outlets are located onthe side(s) of the tank 356. This can allow the tank 356 to have asubstantially continuous bottom outer surface 362. In someconfigurations, the bottom outer surface of the tank 356 can besubstantially flat. In some configurations, the bottom outer surface ofthe tank 356 can be sloped, rounded, or the like. In some configuration,the bottom of the tank 356 can be completely continuous with noopenings. In other words, the bottom 362 of the tank 356 is anuninterrupted surface, such that there are no openings, outlets, orpipes along the bottom 362 of the tank 356.

Some health code regulations require a minimum height for the outlet 422and/or outlet 424. By having the outlet located on the side of the tank356, the bottom 362 of the tank 356 can be lower than in configurationswhen the outlet is located on the bottom 362 of the tank 356. The bottom362 of the tank 356 can be under 2 inches above the floor, when theoutlet is placed on the side of the tank 356. The drain outlet 424 ispreferably placed on the lower half of a side wall of the tank 356 toaid in emptying the tank 356, which can aid in emptying the tank 356.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the device 350 can comprise a protectiveenclosure 472, such as a metal or plastic box. The enclosure 472 canhouse and protect certain components of the auxiliary device 350. Forexample, the pump 430 can be positioned in the enclosure 472. This canreduce the chance that kitchen workers will inadvertently contact thepump 430, which could result in harm to the workers and/or the pump 430.In various embodiments, the enclosure 472 can connect with one or moreof the legs 461 and/or a base 462 of the frame 460, such as with welds,fasteners, or otherwise.

Some embodiments are configured to introduce and/or mix a treatmentagent into the flow of gray water before being dispensed at thepre-rinse unit 314. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, someembodiments include a valve 406 between the auxiliary device 350 and thepre-rinse unit 314 that allows a flow of the treatment agent to be addedto the flow of gray water. The treatment agent can be bleach, a chemicalsanitizer, softeners, soaps, or otherwise.

In some configurations, the valve 406 comprises a three-way valve. Asshown in FIG. 10, a first inlet of the valve 406 can be fluidlyconnected to the auxiliary device 350. In some configurations, the pump430 drives water from the tank 356 and into the first inlet of the valve406. In various embodiments, the pump 430 can drive the fluid from anoutlet of the valve 406 towards the pre-rinse unit 314.

A second inlet of the valve 406 can be connected to a treatment agentcontainer 408, such as through a tube or other conduit. The treatmentagent container 408 can have any suitable shape, size, andconfiguration. In some configurations, the shape and sizing of thetreatment agent container 408 is less important than the internal volumeof the container 408. For example, the treatment agent container 408 maybe designed to hold the amount of treatment agent needed for one cycleof warewashing, one work day worth of cycles, one work week, or thelike. In some configurations, the treatment agent container 408 can be areusable, refillable container. In some configurations, the treatmentagent container 408 is translucent to provide visual confirmation of thecontents of the container 408. While the illustrated treatment agentcontainer 408 is separate of the auxiliary device 350, it is possible tointegrate the treatment agent container 408 into the auxiliary device350.

The size and shape of the treatment agent container 408 can bedetermined based upon the application. In some embodiments, thetreatment agent container 408 is configured to be positioned under oneor more of the pre-rinse station, the warewashing machine, and/or theauxiliary device 350. The treatment agent container 408 can be designedto be placed on the floor, elevated off the floor, about level with thesink, or above the sink, depending on the spatial needs of the user.There may be local health codes that regulate the location of thetreatment agent container 408.

Some embodiments include a selector 418 in the fluid flow path betweenthe valve 406 and the treatment agent container 408. In someconfigurations, the selector 418 is an adjustable valve. The selector418 can be configured to vary and/or select the amount of treatmentagent that is dispensed from the treatment agent container 408. Theselector 418 controls the amount of treatment agent that enters thevalve 406. For example, in some implementations, when the selector 418is in an open position, the treatment agent container 408 dispenses anamount of treatment agent, and when the selector 418 is in a closedposition, the treatment agent container 408 prohibits flow of treatmentagent. When the selector 418 is open and the pre-rinse unit 314 is inuse, there is a continuous flow of treatment agent into the valve 406.

Treatment agent from the second inlet of the valve 406 can be introducedand/or mixed with the flow of gray water. In some implementations, theflow of gray water causes a decrease in pressure through the valve 406.This can automatically pull the treatment agent into the valve 406 bythe Venturi effect, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for a pumpbetween the treatment agent container 408 and the valve 406 and/or thepre-rinse unit 314.

With continued reference to FIG. 10, the outlet of the valve 406 can befluidly connected to the pre-rinse unit 314. In some configurations, theoutlet of the valve 406 can be connected to a nozzle, spray head, or thelike. In the illustrated configuration, in FIG. 10, the outlet of thevalve 406 connects to a gray water nozzle 325 that is separate from(e.g., spaced apart from) the fresh water nozzle 321. The fresh waternozzle 321 can be connected to one or more of a hot water supply 322 anda cold water supply 324. The gray water nozzle 325 can be connected to avalve 315, which is configured to open and close to allow and disallowgray water to flow out of the nozzle 325. In some configurations, thevalve 315 can be actuated by a foot pedal. In some configurations, thevalve 315 can be a foot pedal valve. The fresh water nozzle 321 can beconnected to hot and/or cold water faucets. In some configurations, thefresh water nozzle 321 can be connected to a foot pedal valve.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a gray water device. As shown,the drain outlet 424 and the overflow outlet 404 are fluidly connectedto the valve 406. In some configurations, a pump (not shown) can aid inencouraging the gray water from the auxiliary device 350 to thepre-rinse station 314.

Methods of Installation

As discussed above, certain features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention relate to the auxiliary device 150 and/or 350 beingarranged and configured for installation without significantmodification to the warewashing machine 104. As used herein, “withoutsignificant modification” means that the changes are easily reversible(e.g., reversing the changes does not require the use of a welder). Forexample, simply removing a scrap trap is easily reversible and simplyredirecting a conduit through plumbing is easily reversible. On theother hand, a modification that requires a welding device, a saw, agrinder or the like is not easily reversible.

As such, one method of installation provides a simple connection. Theinlet 126 to the pre-rinse unit 114 can be disconnected from the hot andcold water faucets 122, 124. The auxiliary device 150 can be moved intoposition proximate the warewashing station 100. In configurations havinga mounting board, the mounting board can be secured to a desiredlocation (e.g., a wall or other supporting structure). Any connectionsdiscussed above (e.g., those with quick-connect fittings) can be made.The auxiliary device 150 can be located such that the drain outlet 140from the warewashing machine 104 empties into the inlet into the tank156 (e.g., empties into the fine scrap trap 172) or the auxiliary device150 can be located such that the outlet 134 empties into the inlet intothe tank 156. In some techniques, a delivery conduit can be provided totransport the flow from the outlet 134 to the inlet and into the tank156.

The first inlet 126 of the pre-rinse unit 114 can be connected to thedelivery conduit 236. A second inlet of the pre-rinse unit 114 can beconnected to the check valve 280. The check valve 280 and/or the freshwater supply assembly 210 can be connected to a source of water, such asone or both of the hot and cold water faucets 122, 124. In someconfigurations, because the pre-rinse unit 114 is disconnected from thepublic water supply, any low-flow nozzle can be removed and a high-flow(or normal flow) nozzle can be installed in the place of the low-flownozzle. The outlet conduit 202 of the water level control assembly 200can be positioned over a floor sink or floor drain. The pump 230 can beconnected to an electrical supply. With these very few connections made,the tank 156 can be primed using the fresh water supply assembly 210 andthen operations can commence using the gray water captured from thewarewashing machine 104 beginning with the second cycle. The selector280 can be adjusted to vary the amount (e.g., relative percentages) ofgray water and fresh water dispensed from the pre-rinse unit 114. Insome embodiments, the selector 280 can be adjusted to provide a blend ofgray water and fresh water.

At the end of operations (e.g., the end of the work day), the contentsof the tank 156 can be drained through the pre-rinse unit 114 and/or thespigot 226. Once drained, the auxiliary device 150 can be moved out frombeneath the warewashing station 100 to allow cleaning beneath thatwarewashing station 100. In addition, the fine scrap trap 172 can beremoved from the opening 174. The opening 174 advantageously can besized and configured to allow an operator to reach inside of the tank156 to dry and clean the inside of the tank 156. Moreover, the opening174 can be configured to allow visual confirmation that the tank 156 hasbeen cleaned and dried.

In some embodiments, a method of installation includes disconnecting theinlet of the pre-rinse unit 314 from hot and/or cold water conduits 322,324. In some installations, the pre-rinse unit 314 can remain connectedto the hot and/or cold water conduits 322, 324. In some implementations,the method includes providing the pre-rinse unit 314 with a secondoutput, such as a spray nozzle 325. In some embodiments, the methodincludes maintaining flows of potable fresh water and gray waterseparate (e.g., not mixed until after being dispensed from respectivenozzles). In some configurations, because the spray nozzle 325 is notconnected from the public water supply, any low-flow nozzle can beremoved and a high-flow (or normal flow) nozzle can be installed in theplace of the low-flow nozzle. A foot pedal can be installed to controlthe flow out of the nozzle. The foot pedal can be positioned on or nearthe floor. The foot pedal can be positioned in a place convenient forthe user to access while using the pre-rinse station.

The auxiliary device 350 can be moved into position proximate thewarewashing station. The auxiliary device 350 can be located such thatthe drain outlet 334 from the warewashing machine empties into the inlet374 into the tank 356 (e.g., empties into the screen 372). In someembodiments, a delivery conduit can be provided to transport the flowfrom the outlet 334 to the inlet 374 and into the tank 356.

The overflow outlet 404 can be positioned over a floor sink or floordrain. The pump 430 can be connected to an electrical supply. Asmentioned above, the pump 430 can be a dry pump, which can eliminate theneed to add liquid into the tank 356 to prime the pump. The treatmentagent container 408 can be connected to the valve 406, such as with aflexible or rigid tube. The selector 418 can be adjusted to vary theamount (e.g., mL/min) of treatment agent dispensed from the treatmentagent container 408. In some embodiments, the method includespositioning the treatment agent container 408 underneath the tank 356.

Operations can commence using the gray water captured from thewarewashing machine. In some implementations, using the gray waterbegins with the second cycle of the warewashing machine, since somewarewashing machines will not dispense gray water into the tank 356until after the first cycle. In various embodiments, the gray water canbe dispensed from the warewashing machine into the tank 356. When thenozzle 325 is activated (e.g., opened), the gray water flow out of theoutlet 422, through the valve 406, and to the nozzle 325. As previouslydiscussed, the gray water can be mixed with the treatment agent at ornear the valve 406.

At the end of operations (e.g., the end of the work day), the contentsof the tank 356 can be drained through the pre-rinse unit 314 and/or thedrain outlet 424. Once drained, the auxiliary device 350 can be movedout from beneath the warewashing station to allow cleaning beneath thatwarewashing station. The auxiliary device 350 need not be moved since itcan have a continuous bottom surface that is easier to clean under. Thescreen 372 can be removed from the opening 374. The opening 374advantageously can be sized and configured to allow an operator to reachinside of the tank 356 to dry and clean the inside of the tank 356.Moreover, the opening 374 can be configured to allow visual confirmationthat the tank 356 has been cleaned and dried. The illustratedconfiguration in FIG. 9 has a large opening that is larger than thescreen 372, which can ease cleaning and visual confirmation.

The methods described above can be implemented using either theauxiliary device 150 or the auxiliary device 350. In use, the auxiliarydevice can save water as well as gas and/or electricity. First, bycapturing the gray water from the commercial warewashing machine, theauxiliary device significantly decreases the amount of water used in thewarewashing process. In addition, because fresh water is not being usedby the pre-rinse station, the fresh water need not be heated, whichsaves gas and/or electricity that would be used to heat the fresh watersupply. Because the gray water has a sufficiently elevated temperaturefor pre-rinsing, the gray water does not require further heating. Thesavings for a commercial food service facility can easily exceed $55,000per year.

Certain Terminology

Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “horizontal,”“vertical,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end” are used in the contextof the illustrated embodiment. However, the present disclosure shouldnot be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, otherorientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure.Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter orradius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures,but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with across-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Termsrelating to shapes generally, such as “circular” or “cylindrical” or“semi-circular” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms,are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions ofcircles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structuresthat are reasonably close approximations.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements,and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intendedto imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way requiredfor one or more embodiments.

Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used hereinrepresent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs adesired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in someembodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately”,“about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within lessthan or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as usedherein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantlyincludes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic.As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may dictate, theterm “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs fromexactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees and the term“generally perpendicular” can refer to something that departs fromexactly perpendicular by less than or equal to 20 degrees.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” shouldgenerally be interpreted to include one or more described items.Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended toinclude one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devicescan also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations.For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B, andC” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation Aworking in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry outrecitations B and C.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like aresynonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and donot exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and soforth. Likewise, the terms “some,” “certain,” and the like aresynonymous and are used in an open-ended fashion. Also, the term “or” isused in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so thatwhen used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or”means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

Overall, the language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly basedon the language employed in the claims. The language of the claims isnot to be limited to the non-exclusive embodiments and examples that areillustrated and described in this disclosure, or that are discussedduring the prosecution of the application.

Summary

Although certain gray water source devices and methods have beendisclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, thisdisclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments toother alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiments and certainmodifications and equivalents thereof. Various features and aspects ofthe disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for oneanother in order to form varying modes of the invention. The scope ofthis disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosedembodiments described herein. Various components may be repositioned asdesired. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages arenecessarily required to practice the present invention.

Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context ofseparate implementations can also be implemented in combination in asingle implementation. Conversely, various features that are describedin the context of a single implementation can also be implemented inmultiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination.Although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, insome cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may beclaimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be described and/or depicted in aparticular order, such operations need not be performed in theparticular order shown or in sequential order, and all operations neednot be performed, to achieve the desirable results. Other operationsthat are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the examplemethods and processes. For example, one or more additional operationscan be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of thedescribed operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged orreordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of varioussystem components in the implementations described above should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and itshould be understood that the described components and systems cangenerally be integrated together in a single product or packaged intomultiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within thescope of this disclosure.

Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanyingdrawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not belimiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown arecontemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention.Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarilybear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of thedevices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/orrearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature,aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element,or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in allother embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, any methods describedherein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing therecited steps.

In summary, various embodiments and examples of receptacle assemblieshave been disclosed. Although the receptacle assemblies have beendisclosed in the context of those embodiments and examples, thisdisclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments toother alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, aswell as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Thisdisclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects ofthe disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, oneanother. Thus, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by theparticular disclosed embodiments described above, but should bedetermined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

The following is claimed:
 1. An auxiliary gray water supply system foruse in a commercial food service facility, the auxiliary gray watersupply system comprising: a tank configured to receive a volume of graywater from a warewashing machine, the tank comprising an opening in atop surface and an outlet in a side surface; a pump having an inlet influid communication with the tank; and a three way valve comprising: afirst inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the pump, the firstinlet configured to receive a flow of gray water from the tank via thepump; a second inlet configured to receive a flow of treatment agent;and an outlet in fluid communication with a pre-rinse unit; wherein thethree way valve is configured to mix the flow of gray water from thefirst inlet with the flow of treatment agent from the second inlet toform a flow of treated gray water that is output from the outlet.
 2. Theauxiliary gray water supply system of claim 1, wherein the pumpcomprises a dry pump.
 3. The auxiliary gray water supply system of claim1, wherein the tank further comprises a bottom surface that iscontinuous.
 4. The auxiliary gray water supply system of claim 1,wherein the opening in the top surface of the tank is configured toreceive a screen, the opening sized larger than the screen to allow thescreen to be moved from a first position to a second position within theopening.
 5. The auxiliary gray water supply system of claim 1, furthercomprising a first screen and a second screen, wherein the second screenpartially overlaps the first screen.
 6. The auxiliary gray water supplysystem of claim 1, further comprising the pre-rinse unit.
 7. Theauxiliary gray water supply system of claim 6, wherein the inlet of thepre-rinse unit further comprises a flow-control valve configured to openand close to allow and disallow fluid flow via the inlet.
 8. Theauxiliary gray water supply system of claim 7, wherein the flow-controlvalve is actuated by a foot pedal.
 9. The auxiliary gray water supplysystem of claim 1, wherein the treatment agent comprises bleach.
 10. Theauxiliary gray water supply system of claim 1, further comprising ascreen positioned in the opening of the tank, the screen beingconfigured to slide within the opening of the tank in a direction thatis generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tank between a firstposition and a second position.
 11. An auxiliary gray water supplysystem for use in a commercial food service facility, the auxiliary graywater supply system comprising: a tank configured to receive a volume ofgray water from an outlet of a warewashing machine, the tank comprisinga longitudinal axis, a top surface having an opening, an overflowoutlet, and an outlet; a screen positioned in the opening of the tank,the screen being configured to slide within the opening of the tank in adirection that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis between afirst position and a second position, the screen comprising a bottomsurface that is positioned vertically higher than the overflow outlet; apump unit configured to pump gray water out of the tank; and a prerinsespray nozzle positioned above a sink that is located outside of thewarewashing machine, the prerinse spray nozzle configured to receivegray water from the pump unit and to discharge the gray water, therebyenabling the gray water to be used for prerinsing dishes outside of thewarewashing machine.
 12. The auxiliary gray water supply system of claim11, wherein the screen slides in a direction that is generallyperpendicular to a direction of flow from the outlet of the warewashingmachine.
 13. The auxiliary gray water supply system of claim 11, whereinthe screen is removable from the tank.
 14. The auxiliary gray watersupply system of claim 11, wherein in the first position the screen isunderneath the outlet of the warewashing machine, and wherein in thesecond position the screen is not underneath the outlet of thewarewashing machine.
 15. The auxiliary gray water supply system of claim11, wherein the screen is configured to be lifted out of the tankwithout maneuvering the screen around the outlet of the warewashingmachine.
 16. The auxiliary gray water supply system of claim 11, furthercomprising a conduit positioned between the outlet of the warewashingmachine and the screen, the conduit configured to be pivoted relative tothe screen to allow access to the screen.
 17. A warewashing systemcomprising: a commercial warewashing machine; an auxiliary gray watersupply device comprising a tank, an inlet, an outlet, and an overflowaperture, the overflow aperture being vertically higher than the outlet,the auxiliary gray water supply device positioned adjacent thecommercial warewashing machine such that substantially all of a load ofgray water that is evacuated from a bottom outlet of the commercialwarewashing machine flows into the inlet of the tank through an air gapdisposed between the bottom outlet of the commercial warewashing machineand the inlet of the tank; a pump having an inlet and an outlet, theinlet of the pump in fluid communication with the outlet of the tank; aprerinse unit positioned above a sink, the prerinse unit laterallyspaced apart from the commercial warewashing machine; and a deliveryconduit having a first end and a second end, the first end in fluidcommunication with the pump outlet, the second end in fluidcommunication with the prerinse unit.
 18. The system of claim 17,wherein the tank is positioned under the pre-rinse unit.
 19. The systemof claim 17, wherein the auxiliary gray water supply device is separatefrom the warewashing machine and is not permanently connected to thewarewashing machine.
 20. The system of claim 17, wherein no physicalcomponents are interposed between the bottom outlet of the warewashingmachine and the inlet of the tank.
 21. The system of claim 17, whereinthe air gap comprises a distance of at least two times the effectiveinner diameter of the bottom outlet of the warewashing machine.